Pope Gregory XI moves the Papal See back to Rome from Avignon, on January 17, 1377 ending the Avignon Papacy; a nearly 70 year period where popes resided in France under French influence.
The move back to Rome was prompted by pleas from St. Catherine of Siena, but his return immediately led to the Western Schism after his death.Gregory XI was the last French pope and the final of the Avignon Popes. He died on March 27, 1378 shortly after returning the papal court from Avignon. The disputes over his successor led to the election of rival popes an Italian pope (Urban VI) and an Antipope (Clement VII); marking the start of the Western Schism which lasted from 1378 to 1417.
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